Definition

1. Noun:
   • A subculture is a distinct social group existing within a larger, dominant national culture. It is characterized by its own unique set of behaviors, beliefs, interests, styles, and often specialized vocabulary that differentiate it from the mainstream culture.

Usage

• The term is used to describe cohesive groups that share specific norms and values, which may be at odds with or simply different from those of the wider society.
• It typically refers to groups formed around shared interests, occupations, age, ethnicity, or lifestyles.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The punk subculture of the 1970s was known for its distinctive music and fashion.
  • Academic researchers often study online gaming communities as a digital subculture.
  • The company's strong internal subculture emphasizes innovation and collaboration.

Advanced Usage

• "to belong to a subculture": to be a member of a specific subcultural group.
  • She feels she truly belongs to the skateboarding subculture.
• "subcultural identity": the sense of self derived from membership in a subculture.
  • His subcultural identity as a graffiti artist is very important to him.

Variants and Related Words

• Subcultural (adj): relating to or characteristic of a subculture.
  • The study focused on subcultural norms.
• Counterculture (n): a type of subculture whose values and norms of behavior substantially contradict those of mainstream society.
  • The hippie movement was a prominent counterculture in the 1960s.

Synonyms

• Faction: A small, organized, dissenting group within a larger one.
• Group: A number of people who are connected by shared social standards.
• Community: A social group sharing common characteristics or interests.

Related Phrases

• Youth subculture: A subculture primarily associated with adolescents and young adults.
  • Sociologists examine how youth subcultures influence fashion trends.
• Corporate subculture: The distinct social environment within a particular company.
  • The tech startup fostered a very relaxed corporate subculture.

Noun

1. a social group within a national culture that has distinctive patterns of behavior and beliefs